V6 Timing Cover

I have a chance to buy a near new front timing cover for the 225 V6---But it is cast iron. Would this be an up grade from the Aluminum one. It is off the OMC marine verison of the 225. The part number on the cover is 1381971. Any comments or insight welcomed

 

If your block is not of the later style it will not fit properly. There are actually 2 distinct timing covers for the 225, 1 has a set of bolts on the outside of the water passages on the block, the other one doesn't.
If you notice in this picture the water passages in the block (rather square about 1" or so). There are no bolts on the outside of the 2 square passages. The later blocks and the marine timing covers should have a tapped hole in the block on the outside edge cause the cover has bosses for the bolts to tighten it down and aid in sealing it.

 

Thanks Mcruff

This cover only has the bolt holes on the inside of the water pump passages. If I understand you correctly--there should be 4 bolt holes around these two passages.